On Monday it was announced that the NBA would be cancelling two more weeks of the season. This brings the total of cancelled games to well over two hundred. The two sides apparently are still too far apart for them to reach an agreement. Conversely, last week seemed hopeful because mediator George Cohen had the players and owners meeting for almost 30 hours over a two-day span. So let’s break down the three major reasons no agreement has been reached.

BRI (Basketball Related Income)

Salary Cap

And let’s face it, neither side wants to budge

During the NFL lockout, Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson tweeted a controversy statement, saying that their relationships with the owners were “Modern day slavery.” Recently, Bryant Gumbel made a bold and serious accusation about NBA Commissioner David Stern that was within the same realm of what Peterson expressed. He stated that Stern was “Plantation Overseer.” I don’t know if I entirely agree with Gumbel comments, but I will say I have a huge problem when stern implemented the new “dress code” for the players, or as I like to say the no “thugery” rule. No chains, baggy jeans, and sports apparel? Hmmm- I wonder who the new dress code was for. I understand it is a business at the end of the day and these players are role models for people all over the world, but did he need to go that extreme?

But let’s not get off topic on why these two sides can not reach an agreement. As I stated before, the biggest issue is the BRI and both sides seemed to be strict on what they want. Originally, the bri split was 43-57 in favor of the players. The owners now want a 50-50 split. As a fan, I hate to see the business and politics overshadow the game; however, I do understand this is a global business and capital is important. I am not here to say who side I am on, I just want to get back to the essence of watching basketball. Seeing premier matchup’s whether it be individual or teams as a whole. Debates in the car, the barbershop, at school, and in the office on who and what teams are the best. There is nothing more exhilarating than seeing the players’ warm-up; player announcements, the tip-off, and my favorite show during the season Inside the NBA.

Maybe I am just a fanatic, but I’m proud to be it. Honestly, Between October and June my life revolves around this game, so I feel like a piece of me has been temporarily taken away. To all my people who feel the same don’t worry soon enough we will see the competitive, intense, and exciting game we love so much soon.

Take Our PollThis past Sunday was Denver Bronco’s Quarterback Tim Tebow’s first start of the season. The Bronco’s defeated the Dolphins in a stunning comeback, but the critics found a way to rain on his parade. Granted, there were many things I saw that Tim has to critique to be a successful QB; however, there is one thing about him I will take over any starting quarterbacks in the league (excluding Brady and Rodgers) and that is his ability to make plays and win.

Every since coming out of college, Timothy Tebow has been a sizzling topic to debate. Most of his critics said that his quarterback style and mechanics were too unconventional and would not work in the National Football Leauge. On the flip side, there were many supporters of Tebow, including myself, because of his resume and his winner’s mentality. If we have learned anything in recent history about our pro athletes who have much talent, but are unable to perform on a consistent basis and win when it counts most; we should appreciate player’s like Tebow more because that’s all he has done is win whole career. For those who say’s college does not count, then what should we base his performance off because he has not had many chances in the league so far?

This season, in particular, has been a drama-filled season for Tebow. He originally was thought to be a starter, however, that was under the good faith from former coach Josh McDaniels. Shockingly, Tebow fell to third on the depth chart and the starting job went to Kyle Orton, who I never trusted in Chicago, and this created a media frenzy in Denver. The Bronco’s organization was accused by many that they were holding Tim Tebow back. Supporters of the organization decision to not allow Tebow to start, stated that it was how Tebow performed in practice that convinced the team he was not ready to start. So I say again, there is something in Tebow like many other great players you can not teach, perfect, or practice and that is being a winner.

Must we quote Allen Iverson “practice” interview? I may contradict myself , but I do believe practice makes perfect, however, you can practice as hard as you want but if you don’t have that “it” gene that Kobe, Jordan, Brady, Gretzky, and a host of other great players have then practice will not make a significant difference will it? I mean how many great players miss practice on a yearly basis? I am in no way saying Tebow can match with these players greatness, but I do believe he has the ability if given the chance. Just remember that great QB’s like Manning and Aikman had a rough start to excellent careers. I say all this to say lets judge the performances, in whole, not just one game because at the end of the day Tebow can throw 100 percent completions, 400 yards, and 5 touchdowns in a game, but if they lose or can’t win a Superbowl what is the point? Oh I forget, for the fantasy league.

Many minorities have, in some shape or form, has had to deal with racism. However, there are many in the media who would suggest that it has deterioated substantially. I recently talked to a guy, who was white, and we debated this. He stated that he does believe racism exist, but not as extreme as “we” make it out to be. I would be the first to say not everything is racism and some people are over- the top with racial accusations. He went on to say he is not racist “but” there are things he doe not like about black people. So i ask myself, is the abililty to deny racism and in the same breath able to criticize people racist?